The Luxury Traveller

I EAT: Restoran Ah Soon Kor @ SS3 Petaling Jaya – Sabah Tuaran Mee and Beaufort Mee

February 14, 2017

I’d heard of the famed Tuaran Mee and Beaufort Mee, both hailing from the East Malaysian state of Sabah, but I’d never tried them. Never been that far East.

But I recently also found out that there was a shop in the Klang Valley that supposedly dishes out these East Malaysian noodles, and one day, had the opportunity to visit Restoran Ah Soon Kor in the SS3 suburb of Petaling Jaya.

Beaufort Mee (RM8 for single serving) reminded me of the local Cantonese Fried style of noodles, with an egg-drop sauce ladled over noodles. The noodles had a consistency that reminded me of yee mee, and came served with plentiful vegetables, lean pork and some char siew.

While quite tasty, I found it salty. I don’t know if it was because it was the day I went, or if that’s how it normally tastes, but the food generally tasted salty. But how then was the famed Tuaran Mee?

…

I STAY: The St. Regis Hotel, Singapore – 5 star luxury!

January 6, 2017

Luxury has a name and it’s The St. Regis, Singapore.

A chance work opportunity brought me to this 5 star luxury hotel in Singapore, an experience never to forget, and unless I strike the lottery, not likely to repeat!

I had a room to myself, which was a King-sized deluxe room. Some rooms have twin beds, but I was fortunate to have a whole king-sized bed to myself. Upon welcome, you are greeted with a platter of chocolates and sweet desserts. Mmm… perfect, when you have no time to grab any lunch!…

I EAT: Restoran Kin Kin Chilli Pan Mee – The Original and Best Chilli Pan Mee!

December 15, 2016

There are many pretenders to the throne, but the best chilli pan mee for me is still at Restoran Kin Kin or as locals will just call it, Kin Kin Chilli Pan Mee. I used to frequent the original stall (there was only ever just 1, and there were signs on the walls to remind you so!) in the original little shoplot hidden away in the rather salubrious Chow Kit part of KL city. These days, they have branched out to the suburbs.

Queues would form as early as 12pm when the lunch crowd descends on the stall. There was no air-conditioning, and you’d most often, have to share your tables with other patrons, everyone slurping away at the delicious noodles, while wiping away sweat-beaded brows. For it was not just the heat that got to you, it was that delicious dried chilli condiment accompanying the noodles!

Story is that that dried chilli condiment is so good, people have actually STOLEN the tub placed on the table! Some other people scoop generous spoonfulls into little plastic bags and containers they smuggle into the shop. People will go to many lengths to have that tasty and spicy chilli that pairs so well with the noodles.

I decided to go back to the original shop after years away, to see if it still lived up to expectations.

…

I EAT: Le Relais de l’Entrecote @ Boulevard Montparnasse, Paris – Delicious Steak Frites the way the French do it!

November 8, 2016

I was in Paris a little while ago, for the first time in almost 20 years. This time, I did a little homework for food, and one of the first places I went to eat was at Le Relais de l’Entrecote. I do enjoy my steak frites the way the French do them. While I don’t usually enjoy skinny fries, the French do do them very well!

Le Relais de l’Entrecote is a famous and popular bistro restaurant that serves, you guessed it, steak frites, and has a few different branches around Paris and apparently now, even globally.

I’d read about queues and long waits, but when the taxi pulled up at the Montparnasse branch, I was gratified to see that there was absolutely no queue! It might be because it had just opened for lunch.

I’d also read some unsavoury reviews that called this a tourist trap or that it served mediocre fare. But I was determined to try it anyway. You only live once!

…

I DRINK: Takumi Craft Bar @ Isetan The Japan Store, Kuala Lumpur

November 4, 2016

The newest place to be is the Isetan The Japan Store at Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur. What you get, when you step into the minimally decorated space, is a feeling of zen and awe. Staff are courteous and polite without exception. Things sold are listed at eye-popping prices, and displayed in little islands of exclusivity around the store. It feels like you’re in a museum, not a department store.

I’m not sure how long it’ll survive to be honest.

So a drink was in order.

For fans of craft beer, head down to the basement, where the food is located. Tucked away on one side, is Takumi Craft Bar that serves up Japanese craft beers on tap and in bottles.

…